Wednesday, May 17, 2006

I was discussion with one of my colleague about test case estimation where a question was raised about “how to handle creep in terms of number of test cases? Let us say initially if we estimate x number of test cases and this number at later point of time becomes 2x”

My response was -

Estimation is always an iterative process. You typically make estimation in terms of test case early in the test cycle - that is in planning phase. Make all the stake holders clear that "Estimates are based on current understanding of the application and test requirements and are likely to change". Have this as main "Disclaimer" in the test plan or estimation document.

This will give flexibility later in the cycle to ask for more resources and time. If you make your PM and other stakeholders crib or complain - Tell them as test team progresses, test team will get more understanding and initial estimates are likely (mostly will) change. Just say "I told you so" and show them the line in the test plan.

This is diplomatic way of handling future uncertainties in test estimates

Other side of this situation is that - test cases number increasing from 2000 to 4000 will happen in test design phase. So you can write all those 4000 test cases if time permits and execute only important ones during execution phase.

So far, as I have seen in this industry - Test effort estimation happens by experience, manipulation and intelligent planning. It is more of negotiation and communication skills than any science or proven method.

When development - in spite having about half a dozen estimation techniques, international bodies or knowledge, certifications like PMP - fail more often in estimating development effort, we, in test while estimating, can start with some good value and keep it open for future updates.

Please spare testing community from getting subjected to scrutiny for estimation... We are learning